Palin-Biden spoof keeps 'SNL' ratings on a roll

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The politics-fueled ratings train of "Saturday Night Live" keeps rolling along — and it seems to be getting stronger.

"SNL" averaged a 7.4 household rating/18 share in the metered market overnights, Nielsen Media Research said Sunday. That's within a tenth of a rating point of its Sept. 13 premiere, which was the highest-rated show since Dec. 14, 2002, when Al Gore and Phish appeared.

Saturday's show was heavy on the politics. It marked the third appearance this season by Tina Fey as Sarah Palin, along with surprise guest Queen Latifah sitting in as moderator Gwen Ifill and regular cast member Jason Sudeikis as Joe Biden. The 11-minute opening number drew rave reviews not only in the ratings but also the blogosphere, where the clip — and Fey-as-Palin saying the GOP ticket would be all "mavericky" — gained wide traction overnight. (partialdiff)